Tuesday Book Review — Revolutionary Road

Today we’re reviewing a personal favorite of mine, Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates.

This is one of my favorite novels, of all time. On the surface it’s the story of a marriage in trouble and two people trying to find themselves and each other again through breaking out of their suburban rut, but there is more going on here. It’s a story about the dangers of conformity, of selling out on what you really wanted in life in exchange for the comfort of doing what you are supposed to. It’s beautifully written, beautifully crafted, and beautifully troubling. It’s a novel that’s supposed to make you think as well as feel. It’s a novel with something to say, but that avoids the pitfall of so many other novels that are trying to convey a message; it never feels preachy. It doesn’t force the story to bend to fit the moral that Yates was going for. And that’s why it’s timeless. It’s a novel everyone should read at least once in their life and a novel that I have returned to, and will continue to return to over the coming years.

If you enjoyed this review let me know. Clap, comment, share, let me know what you like or what you don’t. How did you feel about this book? What are some favorites of yours? I’m always excited for discussions about books or the process of writing.